Multi-capacity amusement ride

ABSTRACT

An amusement ride including a non-continuous track supported over a curved path and extending between a high end and a low end for transporting riders. The track includes at least two independent running rails. The amusement ride also includes at least one carrier arranged to carry at least one rider on each running rail of the track. The carriers include attachment means arranged to slidingly engage with the running rails to enable the carriers to descend carrying the riders from the high end to the low end.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to amusement rides and in particular to a ridearranged so that two or more riders may be attached by harnesses orcarriers to different parts of a track which the riders descend

BACKGROUND

Rides have been devised to move a rider from one point to another withthe ride following the line of a cable. In these rides the rider eitherholds onto or sits on a cross beam suspended from the cable or rides ina cart suspended from a cable, or similar. These “flying fox” or “zipline” rides start at a higher point above the ground and end at a pointaway from the start point and nearer the ground than the start point. Adisadvantage with a flying fox or zip line ride is that once the ride isfinished the crossbeam or cart must be retrieved from the end point andreturned to the start point. Another disadvantage is that a flying foxor zip line typically runs along a straight path and cannot be formedinto a circular route or be formed into twists or turns to increase therider's enjoyment of the ride. Another disadvantage is that a flying foxtypically cannot support riders above and below the cable at the samepoint and consequently the number of rides possible in a given period,and the potential economic benefit to the ride operator, is reduced.

Another form of ride is the roller coaster where riders are strapped orotherwise held in seats in carriages that move along a track. The rollercoaster is typically permanently attached to the track. In these ridesthe start and end points are in the same place and some form of power isrequired to move the carriage into position to begin the ride. Adisadvantage with this sort of ride is that a roller coaster tracktypically cannot support riders separately attached to different sidesor parts the track at the same linear point and at the same time.Consequently the number of rides possible in a given period, and thepotential economic benefit to the ride operator is reduced. A furtherdisadvantage is that a single roller coaster track typically does notallow riders to apparently race each other along or down the trackduring the course of the ride.

Roller coasters have been developed with riders seated in carriagesabove and below the rail. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,269,750 and 6,047,645 andJapanese patent abstract JP 09-117570 show examples of this type ofroller coaster. Like other roller coasters these systems form closedloop tracks. One disadvantage of these systems it that they cannot beformed into open loop system as the carriages are too bulky to be easilytransported. An obvious consequence of such bulky carriages is that amore substantial, and therefore costly, track and support structure isrequired to support the carriages.

Another disadvantage is that the riders are constrained within thecarrier which limits the apparent danger of the ride.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,333 is an example of an amusement ride where therider is in a prone position. This ride forms a continuous loop andcannot be formed into an open loop ride as the carrier for the rider istoo bulky to be easily transported. A further disadvantage of this typeof ride is that it does not allow for riders above and below the trackor for two or more riders to traverse the same part of the track atdifferent times.

A further disadvantage apparent with the abovementioned rides is thatgenerally at least two running rails are required to support eachcarrier.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is the object of the current invention to overcome or alleviate someof the disadvantages described above or to at least provide the public,and/or those in the business of operating such amusement rides, with auseful choice.

In broad terms in one aspect the invention comprises an amusement rideincluding a non-continuous track supported over a curved path andextending between a high end and a low end, the track including at leasttwo independent running rails and at least one carrier arranged to carryat least one rider on each running rail of the track the carriersincluding attachment means arranged to slidingly engage with the runningrails to enable the carriers to descend carrying the riders from thehigh end to the low end.

The riders may traverse the track simultaneously or at different times.

In this aspect the track extends between a high end and a low end andgenerally slopes down from the high end to the low end. However thetrack may include curves, twists, barrel rolls and loops and othersections where the slope is not uniform between the high end and the lowend. The slope of the track may vary along the length of the track.

The structure around which the track is arranged may be a solidstructure or may be supports forming a skeleton or shell of a structure.The structure may also be a natural feature such as a canyon or valleyand the track may be sited in such a natural feature.

In this aspect preferably the amusement ride includes means for ridersto ascend from the bottom of the structure to a platform on thestructure at or near the high end of the track. Preferably the low endof the track is close to the means to ascend to the platform.Alternatively the high and low ends of the track may be in differentplaces. The ride may also include mechanical means to elevate thecarriers, independently of the riders, to the high end of the track.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises an amusementride including a track supported over a path, the track including atleast one embark point where rider(s) begin the ride, the trackincluding at least two independent running rails, and at least onecarrier arranged to carry at least one rider in a substantially proneposition each running rail of the track, the carriers includingattachment means arranged to slidingly engage with the running rails toenable the carriers to traverse the ride carrying the riders.

The riders may traverse the track simultaneously or at different times.

The amusement ride may be arranged around a structure which may be asolid structure or may be supports forming a skeleton or shell of astructure or even poles. The structure may also be a natural featuresuch as a valley or canyon and the track may be situated in such afeature.

The amusement ride in the second aspect may also include mechanicalmeans for the rider(s) to ascend the track to a high point of the trackfrom where the riders descend through gravitational forces. The movementof riders along the track may be controlled by a known computerised ridemanagement and/or braking system.

The term track is used throughout the specification to include a solidbeam or guide structure or a beam or guide structure that is not solidand running rails to which the harnesses or carriers are attached. Therunning rails may be formed as an integral part of the track.

In this specification where the track is a pipe or other hollow beam theterm running rail includes the distinct part of the track onto which thecarriers can be slidingly engaged.

In this specification where the track is an “I” beam or other solid beamthe term running rail includes that part of the beam onto which thecarriers are directly slidingly engaged. In general the running rail isthe part of the track onto which carriers are directly slidinglyengaged. The running rails may be part of the track or may be distinctstructures attached to the track. The word “rail” in the term “runningrail” is not limiting on the shape of the running rail. Differing shapesand sizes of running rails may be provided within the invention.

Each running rail allows a carrier or carriers to slidingly engage withthe running rail without contacting carriers engaged to other runningrails of the track. This means that carriers slidingly engaged ondifferent running rails may move past one another along the track. Forexample a track may be a beam or a plurality of beams joined togethereither directly or by trusses or similar construction methods to formone unitary rigid member. Although described as rigid, it is known thatthere will be some flexing due to the weight of the track itself and theweight of the riders moving along the running rails of the track.

The running rails may be identical so that by way of example the ride ontop of the track is in effect a reflection of the ride under the track.Alternatively the running rails may be different.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be further described by way of example only andwithout intending to be limiting with reference to the followingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of amusement ride of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of amusement ride of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows two riders on a track of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one form of carrier and wheelassembly of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a view of harness that may be used to secure riders intocarriers;

FIG. 6 shows two riders on a track of the invention;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a further embodiment of track that may be usedfor an amusement ride of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the track of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a side view of a further embodiment of track that may be usedfor an amusement ride of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the track of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 shows an amusement ride of the invention where the track issuspended; and

FIG. 10 shows an amusement ride of the invention where the track runsdown a valley.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS

FIG. 1 shows one form of amusement ride of the invention. The amusementride starts from platform 1 which is near the high end of track 2. Track2 curves around hexagonal structure 3 from platform 1 to at or near theground at low point 4. The track is supported by support means 5cantilevered from hexagonal structure 3.

The track 2 extends between high end 9 and low end 4. The track isnon-continuous in that the high end of the track is not directly joinedto the low end. The track is shown as having a smooth descent curve inFIG. 1 but the track may include twists, spirals, loops, barrel rolls,sections of steeper descent and other deviations from a uniform descent,slope and/or curve. At the low end of the track, the track may besubstantially horizontal or may curve up slightly to slow the rider(s)to a stop. Alternatively other means of stopping the rider(s) may beused.

The track may be arranged to impart side to side motion to the rider(s).This may be by means of the supports or by twists in the track.Alternatively the track may be arranged not to impart side to sidemotion to the riders.

In one embodiment the track is a rigid member. The rigid member may be abeam or a plurality of beams or pipes enjoined to form one rigid member.Although described as rigid, it is known that there will be some flexingdue to the weight of the member itself and the weight of the ridersmoving along it. The track 2 includes two or more running rails, each ofwhich is arranged to engage at least one carrier. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, track 2 has two running rails (not shown), one for each rider 7,8.

Where it is desired to arrange the track so as to impart side to sidemotion to the riders, for example to alter the quality of the ride, thenthe track may alternatively be supported by cables or other non-rigidmeans so that the track is not fixed in space.

The hexagonal structure of FIG. 1 also optionally includes means for arider(s) to ascend from the bottom of the ride at point 4 to platform 1up pillar 6. This may be by means of a set of steps, an elevator, orsome other device. The high and low ends of the track may be arranged ina substantially straight line vertically, or close together, so that arider does not have far to walk to ascend to the platform and beginanother ride and the attachment means do not have to be retrieved from adistant point. Alternatively the high and low ends of the track may bein different locations.

In one embodiment if the high and low ends of the track are close,mechanical means may be provided to move carriers from the low end ofthe track to the high end of the track. The mechanical means may also besuitable for transporting carriers with riders harnessed into thecarriers. In this embodiment riders queue at the bottom of the ride andbegin the ride by being harnessed into a carrier and transported to thehigh end of the ride.

Although the hexagonal structure is shown as a skeleton or shell thestructure around which the track extends may be solid, for example abuilding. A solid structure will suffice so long as clearance is allowedbetween the track and structure so that a rider does not risk impactingthe structure. The structure supporting the track is not limited to ahexagonal shape and may be any suitable shape or type including towersor poles. The structure may also include a natural feature such as avalley or canyon in which the ride is arranged.

In one embodiment the support means 5 attaching the track to thehexagonal structure are preferably formed from rigid material. Supportwires or cables may also be used to add stability to the track. Inanother embodiment support the track may be supported by support cables.The support means 5 are shown on the outside of the hexagonal structurebut may alternatively be arranged with the track inside the hexagonalstructure to provide a ride with steeper curvature than the ride shownin FIG. 1. In another embodiment the track may be arranged partiallyinside and partially outside the structure.

The amusement ride apparatus of the invention also includes harnesses orcarriers into which or onto which a rider(s) is harnessed. The carriersinclude attachment means (shown in FIG. 4) arranged to slidingly engagewith the track around the hexagonal structure both on top of the trackand underneath the track. The attachment means are arranged to slidearound the track from high end 9 to low end 4 when engaged with thetrack. The attachment means may be engaged to the track at the highpoint of the ride and disengaged from the track at the low point of theride. In a ride with a continuous track or mechanical means for movingthe carriers (and in some embodiments the riders) to the top of thetrack the attachment means may engage with the mechanical means formoving the carriers.

The attachment means or the track itself may also include a brakingsystem arranged to slow the carriers and riders at the low end of theride or during the course of the ride to control speed. The brakingsystem may be magnetic and automatically slow a carrier as it passes aposition on the running rail. Typically this will occur at or near theend of the ride but alternatively it may also occur at other pointsalong a running rail. Alternative braking systems can also includeoperator controlled braking and rider controlled braking or acombination of systems.

The carriers may be arranged to fit a single rider or to fit a pluralityof riders. For example, a group of riders may be harnessed together fora ride. In a preferred embodiment the carriers are arranged so that therider is lying substantially prone during at least part of the ride. Inthis embodiment preferably the carriers and attachment means aresufficiently lightweight so that at the end of the ride they can bemanually transported to the high end of the track. Transport may be bylift or stairs. Alternatively if the low end of the track is spaced awayfrom the high end transport may include vehicular transport or anexisting mechanical means such as a ski field chair lift. The carriersand attachment means are generally sufficiently lightweight to becarried on a single running rail on the track and should be sufficientlylightweight to enable an operator or operators to engage the carriersand attachment means with the track without mechanical assistance.

In use a rider(s) is harnessed into the carrier either while on theplatform or on the ground before ascending to the platform. In oneembodiment when the harnessed rider(s) is on the platform an operatorengages the attachment means of the carrier to the running rail eitherbelow or above the track as required. In another embodiment theharnessed rider(s) are transported from the ground to the start of theride by mechanical means. These means may also engage the attachmentmeans with the start of the track. The operator is then able to beginthe ride by moving the carrier to the start point of the running rail.In a further embodiment when the track is continuous the rider(s) areharnessed into carrier(s) at the bottom of the ride and are moved bymechanical means to a high point of the ride to begin the ride. Thetrack may include a section of steep descent to give the rider(s) theinitial impression of free falling or flight. The running rails may alsoinclude sections where the running rails and track twists and/or turnsand/or “barrel rolls” or becomes inverted with respect to the rider(s).

In preferred embodiment the only force on a rider as the rider descendsthe ride is gravity. In alternative embodiments known mechanical orelectrical power propulsion means may be provided on the carriers and/oron the tracks.

At the conclusion of the ride the rider(s) may detach the carrierattachment means from the running rail or an operator may do this. Therider(s) may then ascend to the platform again or may take the harnessor carrier off so that another rider(s) may use the ride.

A rider on a running rail above the track may be directly above a riderin a carrier on a running rail below the track. Alternatively the rideron the running rail above the track may not be directly above a rider ina carrier on a running rail below the track. The two rides are separateand can be operated independently of each other. Alternatively theriders can commence their rides at the same time and apparently raceeach other to the conclusion of the ride.

More than one rider may be simultaneously harnessed to a carrier engagedwith a running rail. So long as the riders are spaced apart and onerider cannot catch up with the rider in front a plurality of riders mayuse the same running rail.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodimentthe track is continuous in that it forms a closed loop or circuit andthe carriers and attachment means remain engaged with the running railsof the track. A mechanical elevator 10 is used to take the harnessedriders and attachment means to the high point 9 of the track 2 fromwhere they descend by gravitational force to low point 4.

The track is shown as having a smooth descent curve in FIG. 2 but mayinclude twists, spirals, loops, sections of steeper descent and othervariations from a uniform descent and/or curve. The track may also bearranged to impart side to side movement to the rider(s).

Again where it is desired to arrange the track so as to impart side toside motion to the riders then the track may alternatively be suspendedby cables or other non-rigid means so that the track is not fixed inspace.

Again the structure may include a natural feature and is not limited toa hexagonal shape. The track may be inside, outside or partially insideand outside the structure.

Unlike the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, in use arider(s) is harnessed into the carrier and attached to the track at alower point before ascending to the high point of the track via themechanical elevator 10. At the conclusion of the ride the riders aredetached from the harness or carrier and attachment means that remainengaged with the running rails of the track. Alternatively the ridersmay start the ride where the track at a higher point and exit the ridewhere the track at a lower point as shown in FIG. 1 but the carriers mayremain on the track and be lifted to the high point of the track via theelevator 10. In the alternative embodiment a lighter, less expensiveelevator may be utilised.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one track 38 of the invention showing tworiders on running rails 34 and 35. At this point along the track, rider30 is an upright position above running rail 34 and rider 31 ispositioned beneath running rail 35. Riders 30 and 31 are harnessed intocarriers 32 and 33 by harness pieces 40-45. Carriers 32 and 33 moveslidingly along running rails 34 and 35 using attachment means 36 and37. In this embodiment the attachment means are wheel assemblies. FIG. 4shows the wheel assemblies in more detail. In this embodiment two wheelassemblies are used, however in other embodiments different number ofsets of wheels may be used.

In the portion of track shown in FIG. 3, the centre of gravity of riders30 and 31 is close to the centre of gravity of the tracks. By having theriders prone and the centre of the riders close to that of the track,there is less pitch and roll during the ride, lower centrifugal forceson the riders, and less onerous dynamic loads on the track. This allowsfor a lighter weight and less costly track and support structureconstruction. The track can also be constructed in natural or remotelocations, for example on or adjourning ski fields. The track sectionshown in FIG. 3 is straight but it should be noted that the track maytwist or turn or even barrel roll. If the track does a half barrel roll,rider 30 will be positioned below the track while rider 31 will be abovethe track. It should be noted that the carriers 32 and 33 used in thisembodiment are substantially identical so that each carrier may safelycarry a rider whether the carrier is below or above the track.

FIG. 4 is a view taken through line AA on FIG. 3 and without riders 30and 31 in place. As can be seen in FIG. 4, main track 38 includes tworunning rails 34 and 35 to which carriers 32 and 33 are slidinglyengaged via wheel assemblies 36 and 37. As shown in FIG. 3, each carrierhas two wheel assemblies designated by numerals 36 and 37. In thisembodiment, each wheel assembly includes two sets of wheels around therunning rail and either a guide or a third set of wheels. Upper carrier32 includes upper wheels 51 and lower wheels 50. The carrier alsoincludes section 58 through which axle 55 runs. Axle 55 connects thecarrier upper wheel 51 and cross pieces 57 together. Cross pieces 57then extend down to axles 54 which are connected to lower wheel 50.Joint 56 along cross piece 57 may be a guide to keep the carrier inplace along the running rail or may be a further wheel. The wheelassembly is repeated for lower carriage 33 which has lower axle 55connecting lower wheels 53 and carrier 58 as well cross piece 57 andupper axle 54 connecting cross piece 57 with upper wheel 52.

Again centre portions 56 of the cross pieces 57 may be wheels for guidesto keep the carriage in place on the running rails.

In preferred embodiments, the harness is designed to be light weight andthe carriers are designed to be light weight in order that they may becarried by a single running rail and manhandled without mechanicalassistance as previously described. Although in this Figure only twowheel assemblies are shown for each rider, more wheel assemblies may beused. It should also be noted in the embodiment of FIG. 4 that the wheelassemblies 36 and 37 do not extend further outwards than the carriages32 and 33 and so to help to assist in providing a feeling a danger andacceleration to the riders.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of harness that may be used to harness arider into a carrier. Rider 7 lies on the carrier and is harnessed tothe carrier 32 by central harness 60 and arm and leg straps 61-64.Optional body straps 65, 66 may be used in addition to central harness60.

In preferred embodiments carrier 32 is provided with hand grips 67, 68that a rider can grip during the ride. The hand grips can be formed fromany suitable material.

As shown in FIG. 5 arm straps 61 and 62 are provided at the wrists ofrider 7. In one embodiment the position of these straps is adjustable sothat riders of different height can be harnessed in the carrier. As wellas arm straps 61 and 62 at the wrists of rider 7 further arm straps maybe provided to provide more support for the arms or to prevent the riderfrom making contact with the running rails or the track or any part ofthe support structure or support cables as the case may be, for exampleadditional arm straps could be provided at the elbows.

As shown in FIG. 5 leg straps 63 and 64 are provided at the ankles ofrider 7. In one embodiment the position of these straps is adjustable sothat riders of different height can be harnessed in the carrier. As wellas leg straps 63 and 64 at the ankles of rider 7 further leg straps maybe provided to provide more support for the legs, for example additionalarm straps could be provided at the knees.

In the harness of FIG. 5 control harness 60 extends from fin 69 betweenthe legs of rider 7 to attachment points 70 and 71 at the shoulders ofthe rider. This arrangement provides full torso support for rider 7. Aswell as attachment points 70 and 71 at the shoulders of rider 7, furtherattachment point (not shown) may be provided along the torso of therider. These addition attachment points are preferably adjustablewidth-wise to provide for riders of different sizes. In an alternativeembodiment straps 65 and 66 are provided instead of or in addition tothe additional attachment point of harness 60. In the embodiment of FIG.5 harness 60 is pivotally attached to fin 69.

The harness for the carrier securely harnesses the rider to the carrier.In one embodiment the same harness can be used for carriers on allrunning rails of the ride. This means that each harness must be suitablefor harnessing a rider who may be upside down (with all their weight onthe harness) for part of the ride. In another embodiment differentharnesses are provided for different running rails of the ride. Carriersof different lengths and different harnesses may also be provided forriders of different shape, for example a shorter harness and carrier maybe provided for child riders. It is preferably that the harness isadjustable to account for riders with different sizes.

It should be noted that FIG. 5 shows only one embodiment of harness andany suitable harness may be used.

FIG. 6 is a view of two riders on one embodiment of amusement ride ofthe invention. Upper rider 7 is in an upper carrier and lower rider 8 isin the lower carrier. In this embodiment both carriers are slidinglyengaged with running rails 11 and 12 by means of sets of wheels that arearranged around running rails 11 and 12. The running rails in thisembodiment are different to those shows in FIGS. 3 and 4. The carriersmay also include braking means (not shown) and in the case of a completeloop track (such as that shown in FIG. 2) means to engage with the liftmechanism to return the carriers to the top of the track. As can be seenfrom this Figure the slope and curve of the track is not uniform. If thetrack is symmetrical the upper and lower carriers may be identical andinterchangeable (in a non-continuous track ride). Alternatively therunning rails on each side of the track may be different and the upperand lower carriers may be different.

In FIG. 6 rider 7 is shown lying flat on his/her stomach and facingforwards. The carrier could also be arranged so that the rider lies onhis/her back and faces forward like a luge ride or any other suitableposition.

Rider 8 is shown lying flat on his/her stomach and facing forward. Thisis a preferred position for riders under the track although otherpositions may be used. One alternative position is to suspend the riderbelow the track to allow more freedom of movement to the rider.

In this Figure the track is depicted so that the top half of the trackis in effect a reflection of the bottom half of the track and thecarriers shown may be utilised by either rider. Other forms of track arepossible under the invention and different forms of carrier may be usedfor riders carried on different running rails of the track.

The foregoing descriptions indicate only two riders slidingly engaged tothe track and capable of moving through the same linear point of thetrack at the same time. These are indicated as riders engaged to the topand the bottom of the track. It is possible under the invention toextend the number of riders so engaged to three or more by adapting thecross section shape of the track to provide for more running rails toallow a third or more riders to become engaged to the track.

FIGS. 7A and 7B shows a portion of one embodiment of track 72 with threerunning rails 73-75. Track 72 has a circular cross-section as do runningrails 73-75. The running rails may be attached to track 72 using anysuitable means. The track 72 is attached to a support structure byattachment points 76.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the track 72 and running rails 73-75 at oneposition along a ride. In this position (which may be at the start ofthe ride) running rail 74 is at the bottom of the track and runningrails 73 and 75 are spaced around tack 72 so that all the running railsare equidistant. At this point the attachment means for attaching thetrack to a support structure are through the top of the rail. Along theride track 72 may twist and the positions of the running rails maychange. As this occurs the positions of the attachment points 76 mayalso change.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the track 72 and running rails73-75. FIG. 7B also shows one set of wheels and part of a carrier 32engaged with running rail 73. The set of wheels of carrier 32 are spacedaround running rail 73 so that the carrier cannot disengage with therunning rail except at the start and end of a non-continuous rail. Thewheel axles may be attached to a semicylindrical tube that is thenconnected to the carrier. One advantage of attaching the wheel axles toa semicylindrical tube is that it protects the wheels from outsideinterference. In an alternative embodiment the wheel axles are connecteddirectly to the base of the carrier.

The track and running rails are not shown to scale in FIGS. 7A and 7B.The track must be large enough so that carriers on different runningrail don't come into contact and remain a safe distance apart. Therunning rails must be dimensioned so that the carriers slidingly engagewith the running rails and cannot disengage with the running railsexcept at the ends of a discontinuous track.

FIGS. 8A and 8B shows a portion of another embodiment of track 77 withfour running rails 78-81. Track 77 has a cross-shaped cross-section andrunning rails 78-81 have a circular cross-section. The running rails maybe attached to track 77 using any suitable means. The track 77 isattached to a support structure by attachment points 72 and 83.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the track 77 and running rails 78-81 at oneposition along a ride. In this position (which may be at the start ofthe ride) the running rails are spaced equally between horizontal andvertical axes running through the centre of the running rail. At thispoint the attachment means for attaching the track to a supportstructure are at the side of the track. Along the ride, track 77 maytwist and the positions of the running rails may change. As this occursthe positions of the attachment points 82 and 83 may also change.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the track 77 and running rails78-81. Wheels on a carrier engaged with a running rail of track 77 maybe similar to those described with reference to FIG. 7B. In analternative embodiment running rails 78-81 may be the flat ends ofI-beam as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the wheel assemblies of thecarriers may be similar to those shown in FIG. 4.

The track and running rails are not shown to scale in FIGS. 8A and 8B.The track must be large enough so that carriers on different runningrail don't come into contact and remain a safe distance apart. Therunning rails must be dimensioned so that the carriers slidingly engagewith the running rails and cannot disengage with the running railsexcept at the ends of a discontinuous track.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a section of a track formed so that riders onthe running rails perform a barrel roll as the track turns around acorner. Track 84 has upper running rail 85 and lower running rail 86. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 9 the track and running rails form anI-beam like those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It should be noted that thetrack and running rails are not limited to this configuration. Track 84is supported by two types of support members, rigid support members 87and cable support member 88. The rigid support members may be connectedtogether to form a support structure (not shown) and the supportstructure may include cable support member 88.

Cable support member 88 is attached to the middle of the track 84 whenthe running rails are in a vertical position. Cable support member 88includes a rigid support 88 onto which cable 90 is attached. Cable 90 isattached to track 84 at its second end. Spacer 89 may be used as a guidefor cable 90 to ensure that there is a sufficient gap between the cableand the running rails so that carriers on the running rails do not comeinto contact with the cable.

Use of cable 90 as part of the support structure for the ride provides asection of track that is able to move laterally as riders pass thatpoint on the track providing a greater feeling of danger for the riders.Cable support members may be placed at any suitable point along thetrack. In some embodiments the cable support members may extend throughthe track and be supported on both sides of the track. Spacers may alsobe used in these embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of ride of the invention positioned down theslope of a ski field. Track 91 has a plurality of running rails (notshown) and starts from high point 98 on the slope and ends at low point97. Track 91 is supported by supports from existing chair lifts 96 andseparate support members 95. The separate support members 95 may beconnected together in groups to form structures and/or may be connectedto the supports from existing chair lifts 96. The existing chair lifts96 can be any existing structure on the slope that is suitable forsupporting a track and ride.

As can be seen in FIG. 10 track 91 includes a turn 92, corkscrew 93 andbarrel roll 94 along the length of the ride. These elements provideexcitement to the ride and the riders.

The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof.Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in theart are intended to be incorporated within the scope hereof as definedin the accompanying claims.

1. An amusement ride including: a non-continuous track supported over acurved path and extending between a high end and a low end, the trackincluding at least two independent running rails, at least one carrierarranged to carry at least one rider on each running rail of the track,the carriers including attachment means arranged to slidingly engagewith the running rails to enable the carriers to descend carrying theriders from the high end to the low end.
 2. An amusement ride as claimedin claim 1 wherein the ride includes a mechanical or other brakingsystem to control the speed of the rider(s) during the descent or at theconclusion of the ride or both.
 3. An amusement ride as claimed in claim1 wherein the running rails include areas of different slope.
 4. Anamusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein the running rails includetwists.
 5. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein the runningrails include barrel rolls.
 6. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1wherein the track is positioned around the outside of a structure fromwhich the track is supported.
 7. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1wherein the track is positioned inside a valley or natural feature. 8.An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein the track is positioneddown the side of a hill or sloping surface.
 9. An amusement ride asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the track is supported partially or totallyby cables.
 10. An amusement ride as clamed in claim 1 wherein the bottomof the track is close to a means of access to the top of the track. 11.An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein each carrier isslidingly engaged to a running rail by at least one set of wheels. 12.An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carrier islightweight.
 13. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein therunning rails are an integral part of the track.
 14. An amusement rideas claimed in claim 1 wherein not all the running rails have the sameshape.
 15. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein all therunning rails have the same shape.
 16. An amusement ride as claimed inclaim 1 wherein there is provided a mechanical and/or electrical meansto elevate the carriers to the high end of the track.
 17. An amusementride as claimed in claim 6 wherein the riders start the ride from aplatform at the top of the support structure.
 18. An amusement ride asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the riders are carried in carriers in asubstantially prone position.
 19. An amusement ride including: a tracksupported over a curved path, the track including a high point and a lowpoint and including at least two independent running rails, at least onecarrier arranged to carry at least one rider on each running rail of thetrack in a substantially prone position, the carriers includingattachment means arranged to slidingly engage with the running rails toenable the carriers to traverse the ride carrying the riders.
 20. Anamusement ride as claimed in claim 19 wherein the ride includes amechanical or other braking system to control the speed of the rider(s)during the descent or at the conclusion of the ride or both.
 21. Anamusement ride as claimed in claim 19 wherein the running rails includeareas of different slope.
 22. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 19wherein the running rails include twists.
 23. An amusement ride asclaimed in claim 19 wherein the running rails includes barrel rolls. 24.An amusement ride as claimed in claim 19 wherein the track is positionedaround the outside of a structure from which the track is supported. 25.An amusement ride as claimed in claim 19 wherein the track is positionedinside a valley or natural feature.
 26. An amusement ride as claimed inclaim 19 wherein the track is positioned down the side of a hill orsloping surface.
 27. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 19 whereinthe track is supported partially or totally by cables.
 28. An amusementride as claimed in claim 19 wherein each carrier is slidingly engaged toa running rail by at least one set of wheels.
 29. An amusement ride asclaimed in claim 19 wherein the carrier is lightweight.
 30. An amusementride as claimed in claim 19 wherein the running rails are an integralpart of the track.
 31. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 19 whereinthe track includes more than two running rails.
 32. An amusement ride asclaimed in claim 19 wherein not all the running rails have the sameshape.
 33. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 19 wherein all therunning rails have the same shape.
 34. An amusement ride as claimed inclaim 19 wherein the track includes mechanical means to elevate theriders from the low point of the track to the high point of the trackfrom where the riders descend to the low end of the track under gravity.35. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rides descendthe track from the high end of the track to the low end of the trackunder gravity.
 36. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 1 wherein thecarriers are propelled along the track by electrical and/or mechanicalmeans.
 37. An amusement ride as claimed in claim 19 wherein the carriersare propelled along the track by electrical or mechanical means.